Hall of Fame founder surprised to be among inductees

New inductees to Monroe High School’s Hall of Fame Thursday night included, left to right, Sarah Morton, Allen Dickson, Chelsea Zimmerman and Denny Coates. Not in the photo: Kelsey Brennan.Photo by Dan Armstrong

Denny Coates initiated the Hall of Fame at Monroe High School more than 30 years ago – with no idea he would one day be inducted himself.

The former athletic director for Monroe Public Schools, Coates was surprised to be honored Jan. 9 during halftime at the Monroe girls basketball game.

Coates was chosen for his excellence as a teacher, coach and athletic director from 1970 to 2000, and for his ongoing support of Bearcat Athletics. He was the athletic director at Monroe High from 1974 to 2000. He coached multiple sports including football, baseball, track, basketball, softball and wrestling. He was the District 1 Athletic Director of the Year in 1987 and 2000. He earned the Washington Secondary School Athletic Administrators’ Association (WSSAAA) Meritorious Award in 1995, the WSSAAA Service Award for 15, 20 and 25 years and the Northwest District 1 Hal Mo Meritorious Award.

Coates’ service and selfless commitment to the district and the community for the past four decades is unparalleled and the impact he has had on the lives of students, athletes, coaches and teachers is beyond words, said Brett Wille, former MHS athletic director.

Also inducted into the Hall of Fame were Alan Dickson, Kelsey Brennan, Sarah Morton, and Chelsey Zimmerman. To read about their achievements, go to www.monroemonitor.com/2014/01/06/monroe-high-sports-icons-inducted-hall-fame/

Coates had served on the selection committee for this group of nominees, but the rest of the committee chose to include him as a surprise.

“I’m humbled with the award,” says Coates. “I did it because I loved it, and because the kids deserved it. This is more than I ever could have asked for. All of the kids I’ve worked for have been amazing. Go Bearcats!”

Wille and Joe Delp, MHS Athletic Director presented the plaques to the honored guests. Brennan was unable to attend in person so her mother and father, Heidi and Tom Brennan, accepted on her behalf.